Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.

These days however, it can be quite costly when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement car keys price of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average person can do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

It is important that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.

They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, cost replacement car key make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost replacement Car key up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.